IT Operations
Top Stories
-
Tip
15 Jul 2026
14 steps to implement IT automation at enterprise scale
IT organizations can't implement automation all at once. But by following proven steps, they can safely scale workflows while improving governance, efficiency and control. Continue Reading
-
Feature
02 Jul 2026
6 trends shaping IT automation in 2026 and beyond
Enterprises are expanding their use of automation in IT, where AI is changing the landscape with trends such as agentic workflows, automated decision-making and AI-driven pipelines. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 Apr 2019
Evaluate key service mesh benefits and architecture limitations
Service mesh technologies can provide request routing, authentication and even health checks. IT organizations that handle container and microservices deployments should plan to maximize the benefits of service mesh, and address implementation concerns, before going all-in. Continue Reading
-
Answer
15 Apr 2019
How do I avoid Exchange security certificate issues?
Exchange SSL certificates keep communications secure, so it's important avoid the bargain bin when shopping for them. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
11 Apr 2019
Automate Windows configurations with Boxstarter and Chocolatey
Follow this Boxstarter tutorial to install the open source tool, and use it alongside PowerShell, Chocolatey and GitHub gists for streamlined and repeatable Windows configurations. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Apr 2019
April Patch Tuesday closes 2 zero-day exploits
In addition to Microsoft's fixes, administrators should patch holes in several Adobe products to keep attackers from creating havoc in their systems. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Apr 2019
Build up a DevSecOps pipeline for fast and safe code delivery
It's all well and good to automate the software build process, but without proper security practices in place, the DevOps pipeline can lead developers to deploy compromised code. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Apr 2019
AI in ITSM reshapes operations practices and tasks
AI capabilities are merging within ITSM practices to augment IT's performance and enhance the user experience. Read on to learn more about AI uses for ITSM, and how to approach them. Continue Reading
-
Answer
03 Apr 2019
Evaluate these hyper-converged infrastructure features
There are six things you should consider when reviewing HCI platform features and functionality: optimizations, storage, hypervisors, management, expandability and integrations. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Apr 2019
How DevOps teams use a CMS for documentation, collaboration
DevOps teams should choose a CMS that enables continuous, integrated content management, and select tools for internal document sharing that build an easily searched and categorized knowledge base. Continue Reading
-
Guide
01 Apr 2019
Bookmark this expansive guide to DevOps for Windows
Native Windows DevOps tools and Azure DevOps services enable Microsoft shops to keep pace with Linux setups. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Mar 2019
Windows Server cluster sets add more protection to workloads
Microsoft stepped up its high availability game with its cluster sets technology in Windows Server 2019 to give on-premises workloads more cloudlike resiliency. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Mar 2019
Got infrastructure needs? These PowerShell tutorials can help
From streamlining remote sessions to setting up an SSL certificate, these PowerShell tutorials show IT admins how to get more done with the management tool. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Mar 2019
Monitoring distributed systems means first, do no harm
SRE veterans who work with large, complex, latency-sensitive infrastructures say some monitoring tools can hurt the systems they're meant to help. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Mar 2019
Kubernetes for Windows hits GA, with limitations
Kubernetes support for Windows nodes was declared stable in Kubernetes 1.14, but extensive fine print remains. Continue Reading
-
Answer
21 Mar 2019
What are some potential Windows Server cluster set snags?
Windows Server 2019 cluster sets bring some Azure-like capabilities into the data center, but new features also bring new challenges for administrators. Continue Reading
-
Answer
21 Mar 2019
What are some Microsoft SDDC integration challenges?
Microsoft added a number of new software-defined features in Windows Server 2019, but deploying a fully virtualized data center remains a challenge for several reasons. Continue Reading
-
Answer
19 Mar 2019
How is the Microsoft SDDC concept becoming a reality?
The promise of a software-defined infrastructure and its ability to pool resources require the right administrative tool to keep the virtualized fabric from fraying. Continue Reading
-
Answer
15 Mar 2019
How do you build Windows Server 2019 cluster sets?
Microsoft debuted cluster sets in its Windows Server 2019 release. Here's a rundown on how to deploy this high availability feature in your organization. Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 Mar 2019
Market evolves to address container security issues
Container use is gaining traction in virtual environments, but containers present unique security challenges that vendors and organizations must overcome. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Mar 2019
March Patch Tuesday shuts down two zero-day exploits
In addition to the March Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft's attempts at improving performance following Spectre variant 2 patches backfire for some users on Windows 10. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Mar 2019
GitOps provides an answer for complicated IT deployments
Version control isn't a new concept in IT, but ops pros are applying it to distributed environments for declarative configuration management. Continue Reading
-
Answer
07 Mar 2019
What Windows Server 2019 SDN features should I know about?
Administrators in highly virtualized environments can tap into enhanced Windows Server 2019 SDN functionality to run Hyper-V VMs more efficiently. Continue Reading
-
Answer
07 Mar 2019
What features make up Windows Server 2019 cluster sets?
Windows Server 2019 takes clustering to a new level with the cluster sets feature that wraps another layer of high availability around critical VMs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Mar 2019
How to configure Windows container networking
The default network setting for Windows containers is Network Address Translation, but you can also set up a transparent Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol or non-DHCP network. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Mar 2019
Steps to safely build and manage a preproduction environment
A well-run testing lab is a true asset to developers. An uncontrolled one, on the other hand, is a massive liability that can cost dearly. Plan lab builds along these guidelines. Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
28 Feb 2019
Windows Server 2019 features admins should explore
This slideshow of Windows Server 2019 features highlights some of its key additions built to bring more flexibility and reliability to the enterprise. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Feb 2019
Compare the pros and cons of container management tools
From the ever-popular to the obscure, evaluate different container management options based on the user interface, documentation, ease of use, available features and integrations. Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 Feb 2019
Create Hyper-V containers in Windows Server 2016
Once you enable the Hyper-V role and Windows container feature, install Docker Engine, container modules and a base OS image to prepare the host for Hyper-V container deployment. Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 Feb 2019
Use Packer for Windows to enhance machine image automation
Packer can curtail time sinks for administrators, especially those dealing with rapid OS releases. But the DevOps tool can require additional effort to work for Windows. Continue Reading
-
Tip
18 Feb 2019
Non-IT software vendors stir up IT tool selection process
Many non-IT vendors now offer homegrown software -- a model that carries benefits and risks. Weigh the pros and cons around support, availability and other factors before making a decision. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 Feb 2019
Maximize Ansible scalability, performance as IT deployments grow
There are several options to increase Ansible performance at scale -- a task that should move to the top of the to-do list as an IT deployment grows. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Feb 2019
Microsoft zero-day vulnerability closed on Patch Tuesday
Administrators should prioritize patching systems affected by a zero-day vulnerability resolved by the February Patch Tuesday updates. Continue Reading
-
Answer
12 Feb 2019
What key SDN features are in Windows Server 2019?
Microsoft SDN capabilities got a boost in Windows Server 2019 to wrap more security around VMs and make networking tasks less painful to execute. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Feb 2019
Evaluate the Mesos architecture for massive container deployments
In addition to supporting large-scale IT deployments, Mesos takes a unique approach to data center and cloud resource pools that can benefit both containerized and noncontainerized apps. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Jan 2019
Open source in the enterprise presents a two-edged sword
The price is right for pure upstream open source IT management software, which also offers IT pros control over their own destiny. But some enterprises aren't prepared for the long-term costs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Jan 2019
Hone your skills to be an IT infrastructure architect
IT architecture relies on most skills that sys admins have picked up already but also demands a few more. Learn the responsibilities and the requirements for this advancement. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
21 Jan 2019
Pop quiz: Can you identify these top IT trends of 2019?
From serverless and AIOps to a widening tech skills gap, numerous IT trends bring momentum into 2019. See how ready you are for new opportunities and hurdles in IT with this quiz. Continue Reading
-
Feature
17 Jan 2019
Q&A: Will Microsoft artificial intelligence change your job?
Technical architect Jason Wynn says the data center is already on the path to a more autonomous future due to the acceleration of Microsoft artificial intelligence efforts. Continue Reading
-
Answer
15 Jan 2019
How does Azure Update Management handle integration?
Azure Update Management works with other Microsoft administrative tools to give IT pros a more complete offering to patch operating systems. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
14 Jan 2019
Control Docker containers with the Nginx load balancer
Docker is an efficient container platform, but it isn't perfect. Follow this Nginx load balancer tutorial to provide your container environment with high availability across multiple nodes. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Jan 2019
Top 5 SCVMM PowerShell commands
Manually making changes to Hyper-V hosts and VMs is very time-consuming. Manage System Center Virtual Machine Manager with PowerShell commands to make administration easier. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jan 2019
Light January Patch Tuesday follows IE out-of-band security update
Administrators should prioritize an out-of-band patch that addresses an Internet Explorer zero-day before tackling the 47 vulnerabilities corrected by the January Patch Tuesday fixes. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Jan 2019
Compliance with GDPR in Exchange requires extra effort
Exchange administrators outside of the European Union might not think that GDPR affects them, but they should work toward compliance to avoid a stiff penalty if a violation occurs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Jan 2019
AIOps tools supplement -- not supplant -- DevOps pipelines
While the line between DevOps and AIOps often seems blurred, the two disciplines aren't synonymous. Instead, they present some key differences in terms of required skill sets and tools. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 Jan 2019
How to improve help desk support via knowledge management
Your organization's help desk support system could be more efficient. Find out how knowledge management and natural language processing solve hidden IT woes. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Dec 2018
Estimate the cost of open source software in 5 practical areas
Open source tools and technologies are free for the taking, as long as enterprise IT organizations correctly calculate the cost of implementation, support, contribution and more. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Dec 2018
Troubleshoot Host Guardian Service with guarded fabric diagnostics
Take advantage of the built-in guarded fabric diagnostic tool to discover and resolve common issues that can afflict Host Guardian Service and guarded fabric deployments. Continue Reading
-
Answer
18 Dec 2018
Manage SCVMM logical networks with PowerShell
Use System Center Virtual Machine Manager and PowerShell to make logical network management easy. Execute a script to display network virtualization information in a simple chart. Continue Reading
-
Feature
17 Dec 2018
Discover the top Windows Server and PowerShell tutorials of 2018
Administrators can level up their management game with these Windows Server tips and PowerShell tutorials that got the most attention on the SearchWindowsServer site in 2018. Continue Reading
-
Tip
17 Dec 2018
5 skills every Hyper-V administrator needs to succeed
Windows Server skills aren't complete without these five Hyper-V skills, which range from failover clustering to storage, and remain essential for virtualization administration. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Dec 2018
Knative project stokes interest in event-driven IT ops
The Knative project is nascent, but Kubernetes users said they believe it could facilitate the next generation of IT infrastructure management. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Dec 2018
Manage large volumes of VM data with these storage tactics
Admins can effectively virtualize large servers with storage tiering and disk allocation, but they must be wary of potential IOPS and redundancy issues. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Dec 2018
Windows Admin Center lures IT pros with Azure integration
If System Center is overkill for your needs and the older tools aren't up to task, then the Windows Admin Center just might be the tool to manage your data center. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Dec 2018
Use Puppet for Windows ops automation with dsc_lite
With DSC and dsc_lite, as well as a native option, users operate in Puppet within the familiarity of PowerShell settings. Here's how each approach works. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Dec 2018
AIOps use cases address complexity in virtual data centers
The ever-growing complexity of virtual infrastructures is making management a struggle, but an AIOps platform can enable admins to transform raw data into useful information. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Dec 2018
Align KPIs for IT with corresponding business goals
It's easy for IT KPIs to take a back seat to those of the business or vice versa. Instead, explore these ways to maintain a working balance. Continue Reading
-
Tip
05 Dec 2018
Meet Hyper-V cluster requirements to maintain high availability
Hyper-V high availability is important for failover, so check that Hyper-V clusters meet the proper requirements, which range from hardware management to network configuration. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Dec 2018
Kubernetes security vulnerability reveals fractured market
Enterprises that pay for Kubernetes support will respond differently to this week's critical security vulnerability than lean DevOps teams that use upstream distributions. Continue Reading
-
Answer
29 Nov 2018
What's the best way to achieve Hyper-V security for hosts?
Hyper-V security is complicated, but you can set the foundation of your security strategies by following a few best practices, such as simplification and encryption. Continue Reading
-
Answer
29 Nov 2018
Hyper-V 2016 security comes down to VM considerations
Secure guest VMs and OSes to ensure Hyper-V security Continue Reading
-
Answer
28 Nov 2018
Use shielded VMs, guarded fabric to enable Hyper-V encryption
Enable Hyper-V encryption using guarded fabric, the Host Guardian Service and shielded VM technologies. Host systems must be proven trustworthy before operating protected VMs. Continue Reading
-
Answer
27 Nov 2018
How does Linux Secure Boot affect Hyper-V 2016 VMs?
Linux Secure Boot can help ensure you're booting trusted OSes, but navigating different distributions and digital signatures can be challenging without these considerations. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
21 Nov 2018
Try this Chocolatey tutorial to pick up Vagrant provisioning for Windows
To install a Linux-based tool on a non-Linux machine, at least one intermediary tool is necessary. On Windows, use the Chocolatey package manager for a smooth process. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 Nov 2018
Hyper-convergence forms core of Windows Server 2019 features
The latest server OS release from Microsoft upgrades many of its software-defined features to make it easier to use a hybrid cloud model. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
14 Nov 2018
Boost DevOps cred with script management in Git version control
DevOps teams use configuration management to automate patches and provisioning. They use version control to increase collaboration and change control. Learn how to combine the two. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Nov 2018
Generate a Hyper-V report to track clusters, nodes with PowerShell
It's difficult to navigate all the information related to Hyper-V nodes and clusters, so use PowerShell commands and scripts to generate reports and automate information retrieval. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Nov 2018
Use Active Directory for testing environments in DevOps shops
AD enables admins to create testing environments almost identical to production environments through duplicated trees, interconnected forests and authentication best practices. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Nov 2018
Docker on Windows Server helps legacy apps, with caveats
Windows-only Docker Enterprise Edition prospects struggle with Linux requirements and a shift to a container-first mindset as they plan to modernize legacy Microsoft applications. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Oct 2018
Handy PowerShell ISE add-ons for server administrators
PowerShell ISE might be on the way out, but these extensions continue to sustain the development of management scripts for many Windows administrators. Continue Reading
-
Guide
24 Oct 2018
An introduction to containers and orchestration for IT admins
Given containers' radical effect on provisioning, resource planning and portability, an IT team's container education should begin well before the first one spins up on a host OS. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Oct 2018
Direct NVMe performance with virtualization and storage tiers
Non-volatile memory express technologies have a host of benefits, but admins must use virtualization and storage tiers to best target NVMe performance boosts. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Oct 2018
Netflix Spinnaker pipelines tighten bond with Kubernetes
The Netflix- and Google-led Spinnaker continuous deployment software project has added enterprise appeal with revamped Kubernetes integration. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
17 Oct 2018
Can this Active Directory quiz stump you?
How much do you know about Active Directory? Find out with this Active Directory quiz on the service's basics, structure and capabilities. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
17 Oct 2018
Does DevOps for operations mean learning how to code?
What do operations folks need to know before they dive into DevOps? Automation is the key to a responsive environment, and users are your guiding light. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Oct 2018
Implement security for DevOps across the board
Security for DevOps isn't about the devices or the data center facility anymore. Learn how to protect valuable data as it moves beyond the corporate network into hybrid cloud and among various applications composed of microservices. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
11 Oct 2018
DevOps to DevSecOps adjustment banks on cross-group collaboration
It takes collaboration across several levels -- between the C-suite and in cross-functional teams -- to successfully move to DevSecOps and meet compliance requirements. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Oct 2018
Bevy of Microsoft containers range from cloud to captive workloads
Windows wasn't always an ideal environment for containers, but recent changes offer a wealth of options, including those for Windows Server and the Azure public cloud. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Oct 2018
Embrace DevOps innovation to modernize legacy applications
To bring legacy applications into the DevOps fold, IT teams must be creative and collaborate in ways that may differ sharply from approaches to greenfield projects. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Oct 2018
Tap the Chocolatey package manager to usher in Windows DevOps
Create a Chocolatey package with this tutorial on DevOps for Windows. Simplify package management and installation, and swap the GUI for a CLI client. Continue Reading
-
Tip
05 Oct 2018
Get to know the Hyper-V processor compatibility mode feature
Hyper-V processor compatibility is relatively easy to use, but it disables some advanced CPU features and is only intended for specific circumstances on a temporary basis. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Oct 2018
Incorporate NIST security and virtualization recommendations
Review NIST virtualization security recommendations with this overview of hypervisor security guidelines, including tips on VM lifecycles and hypervisor platform management. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Oct 2018
Understand how Docker works in the VM-based IT world
With advantages for microservices architectures, disaster recovery and utilization density, among other areas, containers should step out from virtual machines' shadow. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Sep 2018
Windows Admin Center unlocks Server 2019 features
Not just for troubleshooting, Windows Admin Center helps admins unlock the full potential of the latest Windows Server offering. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Sep 2018
Grasp container basics to plan enterprise adoption
To transition from virtualization that mimics hardware to a new level of portable, isolated workloads, absorb key tenets of containers and where container deployment differs from VMs and cloud instances. Continue Reading
-
Answer
21 Sep 2018
Use nested virtualization to run a container in a VM
IT administrators should familiarize themselves with the benefits and limitations of using nested virtualization to run containers in VMs before implementation. Continue Reading
-
Guide
17 Sep 2018
How to achieve application performance improvement in ops
With more complex infrastructure and applications comes increased need for sophisticated performance monitoring and management tools, accompanied by strengthened processes. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Sep 2018
Explore the Cubic congestion control provider for Windows
Microsoft made Cubic the default congestion control provider for Windows 10 and plans to do the same for Windows Server 2019. Learn what this means for your organization. Continue Reading
-
Tutorial
12 Sep 2018
Adopt the Git version control system for configuration as code
Configuration files define infrastructure as code, which enables IT admins to control updates and enforce standardization. Start using a version control system to codify configurations with just a handful of commands. Continue Reading
-
Conference Coverage
07 Sep 2018
Microsoft Ignite 2018 conference coverage
Keep up to date on the latest developments from the Microsoft Ignite 2018 conference and get a closer look at the latest software and hardware offerings from the company. Continue Reading
-
Guide
05 Sep 2018
Rev up IT with continuous delivery and DevOps
IT operations is on the software team with continuous delivery, continuous deployment and DevOps. Done right, the collaboration in tools and culture produces better software faster than previous methodologies. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Sep 2018
Build a secure Docker host environment on Linux systems
In the cutting-edge technology world of containers, don't lose sight of the fundamental security best practices that protect workloads and minimize attack surfaces. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Aug 2018
Application performance metrics and tools fit for modern architectures
Distributed applications and cloud hosting have led to new application interactions and KPI categories -- and different performance concerns need different metrics. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
28 Aug 2018
Get into DevOps with cross-functional skills and culture
There's no well-traveled path to a DevOps career. But it's not rocket science. Learn how to explain DevOps and master skills, such as CI/CD, and you'll be on your way. Continue Reading
-
Answer
27 Aug 2018
Is the XenServer hypervisor worth the cost?
There is a free, easy-to-obtain version of Citrix XenServer, but additional features and commercial support from Citrix -- which some shops might need -- require a license. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Aug 2018
Continuous delivery pipeline tools build IT efficiency
The range of CD tools available is as varied as the organizations that need them. Choose between three primary tool set constructions to suit your organization's structure. Continue Reading
-
Answer
24 Aug 2018
Evaluate Oracle VM Server as a potential hypervisor
Oracle VM provides useful features such as high availability and live migration, but it's important for admins to size the server for the workloads it's intended to host. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
16 Aug 2018
Let's develop best practices for security in DevOps
We've turned to DevOps and microservices because they've made it faster and easier to release and update applications. It's past time we developed security practices for them. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 Aug 2018
XCP-ng offers new hypervisor option for cost-conscious shops
A new open source fork of Citrix XenServer includes many features proprietary hypervisors offer, but it's not likely to displace market leaders any time soon. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Aug 2018
Manage VMM library servers with PowerShell
Using PowerShell commands can save you time when searching for all the shares on a VMM library server, exporting and importing VMM library resources, and checking for VMM templates. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Aug 2018
Adopt these continuous delivery principles organization-wide
Follow these principles to advocate for, adopt and adapt continuous delivery. The work won't always be easy, but well-conceived continuous delivery pays off for everyone involved. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Aug 2018
Application performance tuning tips and tricks
Tune hardware, resource allocations and prioritizations to make applications perform their best. Just don't do it without tracking the results. Continue Reading